“From food waste to sprouting new life! Thank you Recology Los Angeles and Whole Foods Market Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena for the incredible donation of over 10 tons of compost soil we received today for our new school biodynamic gardens at our Mendocino campus. Thanks to our amazing community partners we have nutrient-rich soil as we begin to prepare the 3,000+ square feet space for our students to learn and grow with. #biodynamicfarming #Waldorfeducation #community #pasadenawaldorf #gardens #compost”

On Thursday, March 24, Whole Foods Market Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena will be donating 5% of their total net sales for the day, to support the creation of the new all-school learning biodynamic gardens at Pasadena Waldorf School. The garden site, approximately 5,000 square feet, sits on the school’s newly acquired 2nd campus on Mendocino Street in Altadena. The Mendocino Campus is currently home to the school’s preschool, and in the fall of 2016 will house the high school. Biodynamic agriculture is a form of alternative agriculture very similar to organic farming, founded by Rudolf Steiner, who also founded the first Waldorf School in 1919. Biodynamic agriculture arose out of a request by farmers in Europe who noticed degraded soil conditions and deterioration in the health and quality of crops and livestock resulting from the use of chemical fertilizers.

The garden construction began in late January 2016 with the donation and delivery of over 10 tons of compost by Whole Foods’ composting partner Recology. Students and parents have been participating in preparing the grounds scattering the compost and creating berms filled with logs and branches that will maximize water retention. The vision for the garden is to be a source of learning for the students, provide food for the school’s aftercare snack program, and to host community workshops on topics ranging from composting to sustainable irrigation. And the popular Altadena restaurant Pizza of Venice has already committed to creating the “PWS Pizza” featuring seasonal produce from the garden.

“5% Day demonstrates Whole Foods’ core value of serving and supporting local communities, and we greatly appreciate this partnership to benefit our school’s new biodynamic gardens,” says Pasadena Waldorf School Development Officer Jon Brody. “We have enjoyed a mutually beneficial community partnership with Whole Foods Arroyo for several years, including their in-kind support for our annual Elves’ Faire, and by our school promoting Whole Foods store events and activities that appeal to our families. Our community looks forward to participating in the 5% Day on March 24 and is extremely grateful for this support. All proceeds from the 5% Day will go directly to supporting the garden, including purchasing tools, building storage sheds, installing irrigation systems, and procuring trees and plants for the garden.”

Popular internet-based grocery deliver service Instacart is also joining in their support for the biodynamic gardens by offering free delivery to Whole Foods Market Arroyo Parkway shoppers on all orders of $35 or more on March 24 using the code ’5pctday’.

“It is important to Whole Foods that we are more than just a place to shop for food, but rather are an active community partner that supports the local programs and organizations that align with our values and passions,” says Sarah Roberts, Whole Foods Market Metro Marketing Field Team Leader.

Whole Foods Market Arroyo Parkway is located at 465 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena. Hours on March 24th for the 5% Day are 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.